Appliance water filter system having memory and authentication functionality

ABSTRACT

A water filter system for an appliance includes a filter head assembly, a first appliance control unit positioned proximate the filter head assembly and a water filter having a memory storage unit. The water filter is selectively placed in communication with the first appliance control unit to define a filter use state. The filter use state is further defined by a first potential fluid-flow rate through the water filter and a predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. A data transfer mechanism defines a second data-transfer protocol between the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unit when an actual fluid filtration amount of the water filter reaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. The second data transfer protocol defines a notification state defined by a second potential fluid flow rate, the second potential fluid flow rate being less than the first potential fluid flow rate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/205,930, filed on Aug. 17, 2015, entitled APPLIANCE WATER FILTERSYSTEM HAVING MEMORY AND AUTHENTICATION FUNCTIONALITY, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is in the field of water filtration systems, and morespecifically, an appliance water filtration system having a memory forrecording and communicating consumable status information and forproviding authentication tags for use in conjunction with the appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In at least one aspect, a water filter system for an appliance includesa filter head assembly, wherein a first appliance control unit ispositioned proximate the filter head assembly. A water filter includes amemory storage unit wherein the water filter is selectively placed incommunication with the first appliance control unit to define a filteruse state. The filter use state is further defined by a first potentialfluid-flow rate through the water filter and a predetermined lifetimefluid filtration amount. A data transfer mechanism is in communicationwith the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unit. Thedata transfer mechanism provides for a first data-transfer protocolbetween the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unitthat further defines the filter use state. The data transfer mechanismalso defines a second data-transfer protocol between the memory storageunit and the first appliance control unit when an actual fluidfiltration amount of the water filter reaches the predetermined lifetimefluid filtration amount. The second data transfer protocol defines annotification state defined by a second potential fluid flow rate, thesecond potential fluid flow rate being less than the first potentialfluid flow rate.

In at least another aspect, a fluid filtration device for an applianceincludes a water filter having a memory storage unit wherein the waterfilter is configured to be placed in selective communication with afirst appliance control unit to define a unique filter identificationtag. The unique filter identification tag defines a first fluid flowrate of a water filtration system of a first appliance. A data transfermechanism is at least partially defined by the memory storage unit. Thememory storage unit is placed in communication with the first appliancecontrol unit. The data transfer mechanism, through cooperation of thememory storage unit and the first appliance control unit, defines aunique filter identification tag. The unique filter identification tagis at least partially stored within the memory storage unit, whereinafter the unique filter identification tag is defined, the memorystorage unit is free of cooperatively defining the unique filteridentification tag with a second appliance control unit, whereincooperation of the memory storage unit and the second appliance controlunit defines a generic filter identification tag. The generic filteridentification tag is configured to define a second fluid flow rate of asecond water filtration system of a second appliance. The second fluidflow rate is less than the first fluid flow rate.

In at least another aspect, a method for installing and replacing awater filter for an appliance includes providing a water filter having amemory storage unit, where the water filter is configured for selectivecommunication with a first appliance control unit to define a filter usestate. The filter use state is further defined by a first potentialfluid-flow rate through the water filter and a predetermined lifetimefluid filtration amount. According to the method, the water filter isinstalled in communication with the first appliance control unit toplace the memory storage unit in communication with the first appliancecontrol unit, wherein a data transfer mechanism is defined bycommunication between the memory storage unit and the first appliancecontrol unit, and where the data transfer mechanism defines a first datatransfer protocol that further defines the filter use state. Fluid isselectively provided through the water filter at the first potentialfluid-flow rate until the actual fluid filtration amount of the waterfilter reaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. Asecond data transfer protocol is defined through the data transfermechanism when an actual fluid filtration amount of the water filterreaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. The seconddata transfer protocol defines a notification state, and the secondpotential fluid flow rate is less than the first potential fluid flowrate. Next, the water filter is removed from communication with thefirst appliance control unit. The memory storage unit maintains thesecond data transfer protocol and is free of subsequently defining thefirst data transfer protocol. A replacement water filter has areplacement memory storage unit. The replacement water filter isconfigured for selective communication with the first appliance controlunit to define the filter use state that is defined by the firstpotential fluid-flow rate through the replacement water filter and thepredetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. The replacement waterfilter is installed in communication with the first appliance controlunit to place the replacement memory storage unit in communication withthe first appliance control unit. The data transfer mechanism istypically defined by communication between the replacement memorystorage unit and the first appliance control unit, and wherein the datatransfer mechanism defines the first data transfer protocol that furtherdefines the filter use state. The fluid is selectively provided throughthe replacement water filter at the first potential fluid-flow rateuntil the actual fluid filtration amount of the replacement water filterreaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount.

In at least another aspect, a method for providing an automatic waterfilter exchange program for consumers includes providing a water filterhaving a memory storage unit, whereby the water filter is configured forselective communication with a consumer's cell phone NFC reader onceinstalled in the refrigerator. This will take the consumer to a web sitewhere they can register and sign up for automatic filter replenishmentwith or without filter analysis. When the consumer signs up foranalysis, they will receive a return post paid container to return theused water filter. Once returned, the water filter NFC tag is read andwater testing results provided to the consumer.

Another aspect includes a fluid filtration combination system thatincludes: a fluid filtration device having: a water filter having amemory storage unit wherein the water filter is configured to be placedin selective communication with a first appliance control unit to definea unique filter identification tag. The unique filter identification tagdefines a first fluid flow rate of a water filtration system of a firstappliance. The system further includes a data transfer mechanism atleast partially defined by the memory storage unit such that, when thememory storage unit is placed in communication with the first appliancecontrol unit, the data transfer mechanism, through cooperation of thememory storage unit and the first appliance control unit, defines aunique filter identification tag. The unique filter identification tagis at least partially stored within the memory storage unit. After theunique filter identification tag is defined, the memory storage unit maybe free of (prevented from) cooperatively defining the unique filteridentification tag with a second appliance control unit. Additionally,the water filter may be further configured to be placed in communicationwith a mobile computing device that works in conjunction with the waterfilter and the memory storage unit of the water filter via a wirelessdata transfer device/system that typically includes an RFID readerassociated with and typically engaged with or integrating into themobile computing device such that the mobile computing device receivesinformation about the water filter and optionally information stored inthe memory storage unit of the water filter. It is also possible, butnot necessary, as in other embodiments that cooperation of the memorystorage unit and the second appliance control unit defines a genericfilter identification tag, the generic filter identification tag may beconfigured to define a second fluid flow rate of a second waterfiltration system of a second appliance, the second fluid flow ratebeing less than the first fluid flow rate. The mobile computing devicemay be in wireless communication such that an automatic replacement of awater filter may be initiated and fulfilled. Additionally, thecommunication may prompt delivery of a package that receives the waterfilter when it is in an expired or used state. The package is typicallypre-addressed to a testing facility and/or recycling facility to testand or recycle the used filter. The testing information, if conductedmay be reported to the user via the mobile computing device and areplacement filter with filtering features and capabilities tailored tothe water filtering needs of the user may be provided to the userthereafter as well.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method ofauthenticating a water filter and/or communicating information about awater filter to a user via a user interface comprising the followingsteps: providing: a filter water filter system for an appliance, thewater filter system characterized by: a filter head assembly; a firstappliance control unit; a water filter having a memory storage unitengaged with the water filter; and a data transfer mechanism incommunication with the memory storage unit and the first appliancecontrol unit; positioning the water filter such that the memory storageunit is in communication with the first appliance control unit;communicating an initial startup protocol to the first appliance controlunit after the water filter is initially engaged with filter headassembly and is in a first filter use state where water flows at aninitial water flow rate to the user; communicating a subsequentdata-transfer protocol between the memory storage unit and the firstappliance control unit that overwrites the initial startup protocol; andproviding information about the water filter to a user.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a system forcommunicating information about a water filter to a user a filter waterfilter system for an appliance, the water filter system characterizedby: a filter head assembly; a first appliance control unit; a waterfilter having a memory storage unit engaged with the water filter wherethe water filter is engaged with the appliance in a manner to allowuntreated water to enter the water filter and treated water to beprovided to the user via the appliance; and a data transfer mechanismthat includes the memory storage unit and the first appliance controlunit in signal communication with one another. The system periodicallyreads and writes information to the water filter's memory storage unitand the memory storage unit includes data that may be used to displayone or more of the following pieces of status or history informationabout the water filter to a user via a user interface: the time periodof use of the water filter; the volume of water that has flowed throughthe filter; the percentage of use or percentage of remaining useful lifeof the filter; the model of the filter; and the model of the applianceto which the filter was initially engaged.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe device, will be better understood when read in conjunction with theappended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the device, there areshown in the drawings, certain embodiment(s) which are presentlypreferred. It should be understood, however, that the device is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.Drawings are not necessary to scale. Certain features of the device maybe exaggerated in scale or shown in schematic form in the interest ofclarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an applianceincorporating a water filter having an aspect of a memory storage unitfor defining a data transfer mechanism;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of the water filtration system forthe appliance of FIG. 1 showing the water filter engaged within a filterhead assembly of the appliance;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the water filter system showing the waterfilter operating during the filter use state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the water filter system of FIG. 2illustrating the water filter during the notification state;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the water filter system illustrating anexemplary process for the water filter being removed and the replacementwater filter being installed within the filter head assembly;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating first and second appliances,each incorporating an aspect of the water filter system and illustratingsequential installation of a water filter in each of the first andsecond appliances;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-authentication statedefined between a first appliance control unit and a non-conformingwater filter;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for installinga water filter for an appliance incorporating an aspect of the waterfilter system; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for verifyingthe state of a water filter installed within a water filter system;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplaryencryption/decryption system for the water filter system;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternate aspect of anexemplary encryption/decryption system for the water filter system; and

FIG. 12 is a front schematic view of an appliance according to thepresent disclosure showing various exemplary locations where a user'smobile computing device or other reader may be place to receive andtransfer information about the water filter spaced within the appliancewithout the filter having to be removed from the appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the subject device is described further, it is to be understoodthat the device is not limited to the particular embodiments of thedevice described below, as variations of the particular embodiments maybe made and still fall within the scope of the appended claims. It isalso to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purposeof describing particular embodiments or aspects of embodiments, and isnot intended to be limiting. Instead, the scope of the claimed inventionwill be established by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the device. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the device, subject toany specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either orboth of those included limits are also included in the device.

In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Referring to the various aspects of the device as exemplified in FIGS.1-6, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a water filter system foran appliance 12. The water filter system 10 can include a filter headassembly 14 disposed within a portion of the appliance 12 and a firstappliance control unit 16, which is typically a microprocessor basedcontrol, with memory conducting arithmetic/logic operations and drivinginput and output devices to respond to a program's instructions. Itdirects the operation of the other appliance units by providing timingand operational control signals. Typically, the first appliance controlunit is positioned within the appliance often proximate the filter headassembly 14. The water filter system 10 also includes a water filter 18having a memory storage unit 20. The water filter 18 can be selectivelyplaced in communication with the first appliance control unit 16 todefine a filter use state 22. The filter use state 22 is further definedby a first potential fluid flow rate 24 through the water filter 18 aswell as a predetermined useful lifetime fluid filtration amount 26 ofwater that passes through the water filter 18. The first potential fluidflow rate 24 defines a maximum flow rate of water that can be passedthrough the water filter 18 over a period of time, for example, at leastduring the pendency of the filter use state 22, typically where thefilter is engaged with a refrigerator or other host appliance thatdispenses, uses or dispenses and uses filtered water. The water to befiltered is typically water received by the appliance from a municipalwater source or a well water source. Additionally, the predeterminedlifetime fluid filtration amount 26 (See FIGS. 4-5) designates a totalamount of water that can be passed through the water filter 18,typically at the first potential fluid flow rate 24 during an overalluseful life period of the water filter 18 indicative of the filter usestate 22.

The water filter system 10 can also include a data transfer mechanism 28that is in signal communication with the memory storage unit 20 and thefirst appliance control unit 16. In this manner, the data transfermechanism 28 provides for a first data-transfer protocol 30 between thememory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit 16 that is,typically, indicative of the filter use state 22. According to variousaspects of the device, the data transfer mechanism 28 can also provide asecond data-transfer protocol 32 between the memory storage unit 20 andthe first appliance control unit 16 that can be activated when an actualfluid filtration amount 34 of the water filter 18 reaches thepredetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount 26. It is contemplatedthat the second data transfer protocol 32 can be indicative of thenotification state 36. Once the water filter 18 reaches the notificationstate 36, the water filter 18 may optionally change the water flow ratedispensed to the user, typically by slowing the rate of unfiltered waterflowing through the water filter 18. When this is done, water flows at asecond potential fluid flow rate 38. The second potential fluid flowrate 38, according to the various embodiments, may be less than thefirst potential fluid flow rate 24.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, it is contemplated that the data transfermechanism 28 can include the memory storage unit 20 and the firstappliance control unit 16 in communication with one another. The twocomponents may be physically engaged or connected. It is alsocontemplated, as specifically disclosed herein, that the components canbe engaged and free of physical contact with one another when the waterfilter 18 is in the filter use state 22. Accordingly, wirelesscommunication between the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliancecontrol unit 16 may be achieved through the use of various wirelesscommunication methods. These wireless communication methods can include,but are not limited to, radio frequency identification (RFID), Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), combinations thereof, andother similar wireless communication methods. As mentioned previously,it is also contemplated that an at least partial physical attachmentcommunication between the memory storage unit 20 of the water filter 18and the first appliance control unit 16 can be implemented.Communication between the memory storage unit 20 and at least oneappliance control unit, or a plurality of control units, typically thefirst appliance control unit 16, occurs when the water filter 18 is inthe filter use state 22. Such physical and/or wireless connection canimplement any one of various communication signals, tags or othernetwork communications between the memory storage unit 20 and the firstappliance control unit 16. It is also contemplated that the overall datatransfer mechanism 28 can include both wireless and physically connectedportions between the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliancecontrol unit 16 when the water filter 18 is in the filter use state 22.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the data transfer mechanism 28 definedbetween the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit16 could be used to transfer various authentication tags as well asstatus data related to the use of the water filter 18 before, during andafter the filter use state 22. It is contemplated that theauthentication tags can include various protocols that can include, butare not limited to, an initial start-up protocol 50, the firstdata-transfer protocol, the second or a subsequent data-transferprotocol, a non-authentication protocol 52, and other various protocolsthat will be described more fully below.

According to the various embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-7, theinitial start-up protocol 50 can be a set of encrypted instructionssaved within the memory storage unit 20 of the water filter 18. Theseencrypted instructions that define the initial start-up protocol 50 canbe saved within the memory storage unit 20 during the process ofmanufacturing the water filter 18. The initial start-up protocol 50 isconfigured to be communicated to an appropriate first appliance controlunit 16 when the water filter 18 is first installed into a firstappliance 60. The initial start-up protocol 50 communicates anauthentication signal 62 to the first appliance control unit 16, wherethe first appliance control unit 16 decrypts the encrypted signal andcompares the authentication signal 62 against an authenticationidentifier 64 saved within the first appliance control unit 16. It iscontemplated that the authentication identifier 64 disposed within thefirst appliance control unit 16 can also be encrypted. Accordingly, theauthentication signal 62 provided by the initial start-up protocol 50and the authentication identifier 64 disposed within the first appliancecontrol unit 16 must include the encryption code such that theinformation can be exchanged according to a “hand shake” during thetransfer of the initial start-up protocol 50 between the memory storageunit 20 to the first appliance control unit 16.

Once the authentication signal 62 and the authentication identifier 64are decrypted, the authentication signal 62 and the authenticationidentifier 64 are compared, typically within and/or by the appliancecontrol unit 16, in order to authenticate the water filter 18 as alicensed and/or compatible water filter 18 for use in connection withthe appliance 12 that the water filter 18 is engaged with. In order toauthenticate the water filter 18, various information exchanged betweenthe memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit 16 mustmatch in order for the water filter 18 to be authenticated to initiatethe filter use state 22 and the first data-transfer protocol. Suchinformation can include, but is not limited to, one or a plurality ofthe following: a universal identifier containing a manufacturer ID, anon-stop forwarding (NSF) system certification number that can be uniqueto a particular manufacturer for a given water filter 18 and appliance12 combination, the model of a particular water filter 18, the serialnumber of a particular water filter 18, the model of an appliance 12,the serial number of an appliance 12, and the various model number andserial number information written upon an authentication memory forpurposes of “hand shake” communications between the memory storage unit20 and the first appliance control unit 16.

According to various embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-11, varioussoftware packet coding can be transferred between the first appliancecontrol unit 16 and the memory storage unit 20 to activate a secondon-going authentication process. In this manner, the first data-transferprotocol, an authentication state for the water filter 18, a read-writecounter disposed within the first appliance control unit 16 and/or thememory storage unit 20, combinations of the above, and/or other similarauthentication elements can be electronically encrypted or otherwiseencoded and used as part of the water filter authentication process toprevent unauthorized access to data stored on and communicated betweenthe memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit 16. Itis also contemplated that various status information regarding the waterfilter system 10 can be transferred between the memory storage unit 20and the first appliance control unit 16. Such status information caninclude, but is not limited to, fluid flow rates through the waterfilter 18, the amount of fluid passed through the water filter 18, thevolume of water passing through the water filter 18, end-of-life data,water filter expiration information, and other similar statusinformation.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, it is contemplated that the initialstart-up protocol 50 saved within the memory storage unit 20 and/or thefirst appliance control unit 16 can be operated only once during thelife cycle of the water filter 18 at the initial installation of thewater filter 18 into an appropriate first appliance 60. Accordingly,once the initial start-up protocol 50 is operated to completion and thewater filter 18 is authenticated to initiate the first data-transferprotocol for operating the data transfer mechanism 28 defined betweenthe memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit 16, theinitial start-up protocol 50 can be overwritten. Accordingly, typically,the initial start-up protocol 50 cannot be run again when the waterfilter 18 is disposed within a second appliance 90. Accordingly, theoverwriting of the initial start-up protocol 50 can prevent use of asingle filter within multiple appliances 12, where a filter may beattempted to be reused beyond the useful life of the water filter 18. Itis contemplated that a recycling processes 148 can be undertaken toprovide for proper and authorized reuse of a water filter 18. Suchrecycling processes 148 will be described more fully below.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the use of the initial start-up protocol50 can also be implemented to prevent use of nonconforming water filters80 within a particular appliance 12. As discussed above, the initialstart-up protocol 50 can include, but is not limited to, an initialauthentication “hand shake” that typically uses a combination of uniqueand proprietary encrypted passwords and/or proprietary microchip IDnumbers. It is also contemplated that the initial start-up protocol 50can implement a secondary “hand shake” between the first appliancecontrol unit 16 and the memory storage unit 20 of the water filter 18that also uses proprietary and encrypted certification numbers,encrypted proprietary, symmetrical or asymmetrical memory; securitymicro-control units; rolling serial numbers of the various matchingwater filters 18; combinations thereof; and other security measures. Itis further contemplated that the initial start-up protocol 50 can resultin exchange of filter usage data as well as appliance 12 status databetween the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit16. While this typically occurs at the startup for authentication,communication between the filter and the device that is reading thefilter's tag (appliance or mobile device typically as will be describedmore below) may occur near the end of the filter's life based onestimated life, which is derived from usage time or totaled flow count.It may also occur periodically based on usage count or calendar date orexternally sent subscription “ping” from a remote server(s), which wouldtypically be owned or controlled by the manufacturer of the appliance ortheir representative. The information might also be read based on theoccurrence of an event such as a power outage or upon filter removal andreinsertion. Finally, it is also contemplated that communication betweenthe reading device and the water filter may be based upon a sensed eventsuch as a change in water pressure, flow rate, temperature of water orambient air or within the appliance, contaminant content within theuntreated water to be treated, or a communication about water quality (awater quality alert) issued by a governmental authority, which wouldtypically be a local utility or state or federal agency.

According to the various embodiments, once the initial start-up protocol50 is complete and the water filter 18 is authenticated for use withinthe first appliance 60, the first data transfer protocol 30 can alsoinclude the use of various encryption technology for preventingunauthorized access to the authentication tags utilized during operationof the first data transfer protocol 30. It is contemplated that throughthe use of these encryption and authentication mechanisms, the abilityof an unauthorized user to decipher the various encryption andauthentication tags can be made more difficult, thereby preventing ordeterring use of nonconforming water filters 80, which may not functionas envisioned by the appliance 12 maker or may damage the appliance 12from being used within various appliances 12.

Communication between the water filter and the appliance or anotherdevice, including a mobile computing device, may typically occur in oneof two ways. First, the appliance may have a built in or be connected toa wireless computer network via a Wi-Fi connection or other wirelessconnection or via a wired connection such that it has the capability ofcommunicating with the Internet or an individual remote server or set ofservers via a global communication network of computer servers. in thismanner, the water filter may prompt communication with the user via thenetwork to a user's computing device or mobile computing device causinginformation to be displayed to the user via a native mobile softwareapplication or via a website that displays information received from therefrigerator. Alternatively, the manufacturer or other provider may senda signal to the appliance and thereby to the water filter and receiveinformation from the appliance about the filter use life and otherinformation. Typically this would only be done after receivingauthorization from the user to do so such as in a user agreement via amobile application or via another authorization method. Essentially,such a system would allow the refrigerator to communicate with the userat predetermined intervals or only when the filter is nearing the end ofits useful life and/or at the end of its useful life. The notificationscould be based on water quality or another event driven scenario thatwould potentially be measured by the refrigerator, the filter, or anoutside data source from the individual users such as news and publicutility warnings that might occur in a given geographic location orwithin a predetermined distance of the user/refrigerator. The other datacould be water quality data received from testing done on other filtersused in other appliances near or within a predetermined distance of theuser's appliance as discussed herein. The filter and appliancecommunication could also cause the mobile application to display variousnotifications to the user via the mobile computer without the mobileapplication being open through notifications and other warnings. Thenotifications may further be communicated from a mobile application orvia another route to a second mobile computing device or multiple otherfixed or mobile computing devices such as a networked watch deviceconfigured to be in wireless communication with the device or thenetwork directly via a wireless technology for exchanging data over,short distances from fixed and mobile devices, most typically via a nearfield communication (NFC) specification, and building personal areanetworks (PANs), or other wireless communication method. The NFC tag onthe filter typically combines an NFC Radio and an MCU (micro-controlunit) on a single board to provide the NFC physical interface, The NFCtag communicates wirelessly with the NFC Module of the appliance. TheNFC Module connects to Appliance communications/power bus (WIN) tocommunicate to the appliance's Appliance Control Unit (ACU)and HumanMachine Interface (HMI). The Water Filter NFC tag Antenna will generallybe sized to match the NFC Module Printed Circuit Board Antenna −25.91mm×43 mm and provide a read range of at least 20 mm. The NFC TAG willtypically include some or all of the following information: modelnumber; serial number; filter creation date; filter manufacturer and/orsupplier; filter actions including prohibit filter reset andmodification of the flow rate; time limit of use of the filter; watervolume limit of use of the filter; an installation date of when thefilter was first installed into an appliance; a timer count that trackstime increments, typically ten minute increments; the water volume used;the time percentage used; and the volume percentage use, The base timefor all time calculations is typically seconds such that a 6 month timeperiod is 15,724,800 seconds (182 days×24 hr/day×60 min/hr×60 sec/min),for example, but could conceivably be any time increment, The NFC TAGwill also have a shelf life of at least 10 years of life and anoperational life of at least about 2 years.

A second manner in which the filter may communicate is generallycentered around ways the filter can communicate information to the userwhen the refrigerator itself does not have a wired or wirelessconnection to a network or even if the refrigerator does have aconnection as described above. This further communication functionalityallows the water filters incorporating an RFID communication tag orother communication tag having the functionalities described herein toprovide the same information and functionality to users of applianceswithout a networked connection. Many refrigerators may not have anetwork connection and a RFID or other communication tag readerincorporated within the appliance. Basically, the systems of the presentdisclosure will work with a networked appliance but also will work withan external computing device, typically a mobile computing device suchas a tablet computer or mobile cellular and Wi-Fi enabled phone, inparticular, such devices that have an RFID reading device or other NFC(near field communication) reader. These devices may be placed withinclose proximity to the water filter's RFID chip, typically within aboutone inch or less and the device may read the information instead of orin addition to the appliance reader. The device of the user may then beused to communicate with the remote server(s); convey information aboutthe filter to the user; and also to undertake the other actions andbenefits of the systems described herein such as registration of theappliance, reordering of a replacement filter, and recycling and testingof used filters. The website and mobile application may also track theshipment of replacement filters with RFID capability. The systems mayalso track and convey untreated water quality that is treated by thefilter over time based on historical testing done on the tested andoptionally recycled water filters.

In addition to the water filters with the RFID tag on the water filterbeing able to be removed and read or read by another device when removedfrom engagement from the appliance, it is also possible that one may beable to read and communicate with the tag on the water filter withoutremoving the filter from an appliance using a computing device that isnot incorporated into the appliance such as a smartphone or smartwatch(iPhone®, iPad®, or Android® device). The user may place the user'sdevice within a close proximity, a distance sufficiently close to readinformation on the device that is typically about one inch or less, byplacing the device on a “landing zone.” The landing zone 500 (see FIG.12) is any region or location inside or outside of the appliance where asmart device may be positioned so as to improve potential for readingthe filter RFID tag without interference of signal. The landing zone maybe internal or external to any appliance structure. It may be located inthe Human Machine interface, in a portion of the dispenser well oraround the dispenser, in the lower grill, between the crisper drawers oron a top, side or bottom surface of a liner of the door or a mainappliance body or other interior compartment interior access point wherethere compartment and door or main appliance body are not belowfreezing. Its main function is to indicate to a user where to place thedevice to read the information on the filter. The landing zone may be aneasily accessible flat planar surface adjacent the filter RFID tag whenthe filter is engaged or it may have a specific geometry so as to cradleor physically dock the smart device. Conceivably, the refrigerator couldcontain or have a remote dock that contains a wired connection to theappliance to enable communication of information about the filter fromthe RFID tag on the filter through the microprocessor of the applianceand to the device via a wired connection such as through a Lightning®cable in the case of an Apple smart device or other similar tetheringdevice that can convey data and also typically power to the mobiledevice. In this manner a user might charge the mobile device by dockingthe device with the appliance and also receive information from theappliance without the need for a wireless network connection. In suchsituations however, the appliance will typically need to have the RFIDreader incorporated therein unless the dock is located proximate thefilter such as being incorporated into the landing zone. It should beunderstood that the information displayed to the user may be eitherdisplayed through use of a separate mobile application that at leastpartially resides on the user's device or via a web site browser URLsystem that will display through a device's website browser informationbased on the URL request received by the user's device. Either method ofdisplaying and conveying information may be used in the context of anyof the aspects of the present disclosure such that where an applicationis referenced a URL web browser system may also be used and vice versa.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, after a water filter 18 has beeninstalled within a first appliance 60 and the initial start-up protocol50 has been performed, and the water filter 18 authenticated, the waterfilter 18 can be designed such that the initial start-up protocol 50cannot be run again. By way of example, and not limitation, the initialstart-up protocol 50 can be overwritten, or computer code can beincluded to prevent a second operation of the initial start-up protocol50. Accordingly, after the water filter 18 has been installed andauthenticated within the first appliance 60, an attempt to install thesame water filter 18 into a second appliance 90 can result in theoperation of a non-authentication protocol 52, such that the waterfilter 18 cannot be authorized by the second appliance 90. In such acircumstance, the filter use state 22 cannot be activated and the firstdata-transfer protocol cannot be run within the second appliance 90.

According to various alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that theinitial start-up protocol 50 will only be written over when the waterfilter 18 has substantially passed or passed its useful life and isdisposed in the notification state 36. In such an embodiment, so long asthe water filter 18 is in the filter use state 22, the water filter 18can be used in other corresponding appliances 12 and the initialstart-up protocol 50 is capable of being executed to authenticate thewater filter 18 in each of the appliances 12. During the filter usestate 22 of the water filter 18, status information regarding use of thewater filter 18 may be continually recorded and updated within thememory storage unit 20 to continually define and redefine the currentstatus information of the water filter 18. This current or “real time”status information is transferred to the corresponding first appliancecontrol unit 16 of each appliance 12 with which the water filter 18 hasbeen authorized to work. In addition to current or “real time” statusinformation, history and use information through any portion or all ofthe useful life of the water filter 18 may be transferred. The waterfilter 18 may be disposed in the notification state 36 whensubstantially all or all of the useful life of the water filter 18 haspassed, whether the water filter 18 has been used in a single appliance12 or multiple appliances 18. Once the notification state 36 has beenreached, it is contemplated that both the initial start-up protocol 50and the first data transfer protocol 30 can be overwritten. Accordingly,once the water filter is in the notification state 36, the water filter18 may not be installed within another appliance 12. Whether the waterfilter 18 is installed in a first appliance 60, a second appliance 90,or a subsequent appliance 12, the user is accurately informed when awater filter 18 is or has become expired regardless of whether the waterfilter 18 was used in one or more appliances 12 previously.

It is contemplated that the non-authentication protocol 52 can result invarious modifications to the water filter system 10 and/or notificationsto the user. Such modifications and notifications can include, but arenot limited to, a diminished flow rate of fluid through the water filter18, deactivation of the water system of the appliance 12 such that watercannot be delivered through the water filter 18, activation of a warningsignal 100 associated with the appliance 12 alerting the user that thefilter trying to be used is a non-conforming water filter 80,combinations thereof, and other similar identifiers, which may or maynot be communicated to the user of the second appliance 90, buttypically are communicated or are communicated with an appliance user. Anonconforming water filter 80 may be one that has an improper protocol,tag or other signal that does not match the information stored in thefirst appliance control unit 16. A nonconforming water filter 80 mayalso be a water filter that has no memory storage unit 20 or isotherwise unable to transfer data.

The use of the non-authentication protocol 52 can also be implemented toprevent unauthorized recycling of used water filters 18 that have beenat least partially used in a first appliance 60, and can also preventunauthorized counterfeiting of water filters 18 that may not conform tothe requirements necessary for use in a particular appliance 12.Accordingly, the non-authentication protocol 52 can include anon-authentication signal 110 that is delivered from the memory storageunit 20 to the appliance control unit 16 of the second appliance 90.This non-authentication signal 110 can be implemented when theauthentication identifier 64 disposed within the appliance control unitof the second appliance 90 either does not receive the authenticationsignal 62 or receives a non-authentication signal 110. As discussedabove, when a water filter 18 has been previously used such that theinitial start-up protocol 50 is overwritten, the authentication signal62, according to the various embodiments, may not be sent, as theinitial start-up protocol 50 for providing an authentication signal 62may no longer be present within the memory storage unit 20.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the first data transfer protocol 30 of thedata transfer mechanism 28 of the first appliance 12 that is performedwhen the water filter 18 is engaged with the appliance 12 can operateuntil such time as the actual fluid filtration amount 34 of the waterfilter 18 reaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount 26saved within a portion of the water filter system 10. At this point, thedata transfer mechanism 28 can switch from the first data-transferprotocol to the second data-transfer protocol that is operated duringthe notification state 36 of the water filter 18. As discussed above,the notification state 36 of the water filter 18 is defined by the waterfilter 18 having filtered an amount of water equal to, or substantiallyequal to, the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount 26.Additionally, due to the single-use nature of the initial start-upprotocol 50, it is contemplated that this amount of water is filteredduring use of the water filter 18 within only the first appliance 60.Once the second data-transfer protocol is initiated, the second datatransfer protocol 32 can define various changes to the water filtersystem 10 and the first appliance 60 in general. Such changes caninclude, but are not limited to, activation of the second potentialfluid flow rate 38, where the second potential fluid flow rate 38 can beless than the first potential fluid flow rate 24. This changed fluidflow or other communication to the user of the appliance 12 wouldindicate to the user that the water filter 18 has exceeded or is aboutto exceed its effective useful life.

By way of example, and not limitation, the second potential fluid flowrate 38 can be, at most, 0.5 times the first potential fluid flow rate24. Alternatively, the second potential fluid flow rate 38 can bedefined by a sequentially decreasing flow rate that generally decreasesfrom the first potential fluid flow rate 24 and downward to a level thatcan be between 0.5 times the first potential fluid potential flow rate24 to zero fluid flow through the water filter 18 and/or the fluiddelivery system 122 of the appliance 12.

It is also contemplated that when the second data transfer protocol 32is initiated, the second potential fluid flow rate 38 can be immediatelychanged to zero fluid flow through the water filter 18 and/or the fluiddelivery system 122 of the appliance 12. This change in the potentialfluid flow rate when the water filter 18 changes from the filter usestate 22 to the notification state 36 can be performed by a mechanismdisposed within the water filter 18, a mechanism disposed within thefilter head assembly 14 of the appliance 12, a valve 120 disposed withinthe fluid delivery system 122 of the first appliance 60, combinationsthereof, and other various mechanisms that can alter the amount of waterdelivered to and through the water filter 18 during the notificationstate 36 of the water filter 18 such that substantially all of all ofthe effective useful life of the water filter 18 has passed.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, once the water filter 18 is disposedwithin the notification state 36, the expired status of the water filter18 being in the notification state 36 may be saved within the memorystorage unit 20 of the water filter 18. Accordingly, subsequent use ofthe water filter 18 might be limited to the second potential fluid flowrate 38 defined by the notification state 36 of the water filter 18.According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that once thenotification state 36 of the water filter 18 is reached, such thatsubstantially all or all of the effective useful life of the waterfilter 18 is passed, data related to the filter use state 22 can beoverwritten, deleted, or otherwise prevented from being subsequentlyused. In this manner, once the water filter 18 reaches the notificationstate 36, only the second potential fluid flow rate 38 can beimplemented during use of the water filter 18 in the first appliance 60or any other conforming appliance 12. The use of the notification state36 can prevent and/or deter use of the water filter 18 beyond theeffective life of the filtration media 130 disposed within the waterfilter 18. After a certain amount of water has been delivered throughthe water filter 18 corresponding to the predetermined lifetime fluidfiltration amount 26, it is possible that the filtration media 130 canbe less effective such that the water filter 18 may be less able toremove various materials from water delivered through the water filter18. Accordingly, the use of the notification state 36 and the secondpotential fluid flow rate 38 can communicate to the user that thefiltration media 130 has reached or substantially reached its life cycleand should be replaced with a replacement water filter 140.

According to the various embodiments, once the water filter 18 hasreached the notification state 36, and substantially all or all of theuseful life of the water filter 18 has been reached or exceeded, it iscontemplated that a recycling process 148 can be implemented torecondition the water filter 18 for authorized reuse in anotherappliance 12 such that the initial start-up protocol 50 can be executedafter recycling. Such a recycling process 148 can include replacing thememory storage unit 20 along with the filtration media 130. Thereplacement memory storage unit 150 can include the data for initiatingthe initial start-up protocol 50 when the water filter 18 is installedwithin an appliance 12. It is also contemplated that the recyclingprocess 148 can include reprogramming the memory storage unit 20 toerase all of the previously recorded status information and include datafor initiating the initial start-up protocol 50. According to thevarious embodiments, the recycling process 148 can include a system formonitoring the number of times that a particular water filter 18 hasbeen recycled. This system can also include the storage of data relatedto overall use of the water filter 18. It is contemplated that suchoverall use data can be sequestered from the appliance 12 and onlyutilized in the recycling process 148 to determine if recycling ordisposal is appropriate. The overall use data can be stored in aseparate memory unit 160 positioned within the water filter 18.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the water filter system 10 can include afluid filtration device 180 for the appliance 12, where the fluidfiltration device 180 includes the water filter 18 having a memorystorage unit 20 disposed thereon. As discussed above, the water filter18 is configured to be placed in selective communication with the firstappliance control unit 16 to define a unique filter identification tag182 that can correspond to the first data transfer protocol 30. Theunique filter identification tag 182 can define the first potentialfluid flow rate 24 of the water filter system 10 for a first appliance60. The fluid filtration device 180 can also include the data transfermechanism 28 that is at least partially defined by the memory storageunit 20 being placed in communication with the first appliance controlunit 16. In this manner, the data transfer mechanism 28, throughcooperation of the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliancecontrol unit 16, can define the unique filter identification tag 182. Itis contemplated that the unique filter identification tag 182 is atleast partially stored within the memory storage unit 20. After theunique filter identification tag 182 is defined, the memory storage unit20 is subsequently unable to cooperatively define the unique filteridentification tag 182 with a second appliance control unit 92 of asecond appliance 90. Accordingly, cooperation of the memory storage unit20 and the second appliance control unit 92 can define a generic filteridentification tag 190, where the generic filter identification tag 190is configured to define the second potential fluid flow rate 38 of asecond water filter system 94 of the second appliance 90. As discussedabove, the second potential fluid flow rate 38 is less than the firstpotential fluid flow rate 24. It is contemplated that the generic filteridentification tag 190 can correspond to one or both of thenon-authentication protocol 52 or the second data transfer protocol 32,depending upon the configuration of the memory storage unit 20 of thewater filter 18 and/or the first and second appliance control units 16,92.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the memory storage unit 20 can define thepredetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount 26 of untreated waterthat can be delivered through the water filter 18 to effectivelyform/yield treated water. It is contemplated that the unique filteridentification tag 182 that corresponds to the first data transferprotocol 30 can be operative until the actual fluid filtration amount 34of the water filter 18 reaches the predetermined lifetime fluidfiltration amount 26 of the water filter 18. At this point, the memorystorage unit 20 can cease to generate the unique filter identificationtag 182, or the data related to the unique filter identification tag 182can be overwritten. The memory storage unit 20 can then generate one ormore of the generic filter identification tag 190, thenon-authentication protocol 52, or the second data transfer protocol 32.Accordingly, when a user attempts to use the water filter 18 in thesecond appliance 90 and/or when the water filter 18 has exceeded itsuseful lifespan, the water filter system 10 is configured to change insome manner to communicate to the user that the water filter 18 is readyto be replaced with a new water filter 18 that can run the initialstart-up protocol 50 and, subsequently, the first data transfer protocol30. It is contemplated that the unique filter identification tag 182 caninclude one or both of the initial start-up protocol 50 and the firstdata transfer protocol 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, it is contemplated that the filter usestate 22 of the water filter 18 can be defined by the memory storageunit 20 of the water filter 18 being spaced approximately one inch, orless, from the first appliance control unit 16, such distances betweenthe memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit 16 canbe one-half inch, one-quarter inch, or other similar distance. The closepositioning between the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliancecontrol unit 16 can be used where the data transfer mechanism 28 is aradio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism. In embodiments where anRFID mechanism 200 is implemented, an RFID microchip can be disposed ona water filter 18 and a radio circuit module 204 can be disposed on thefirst appliance control unit 16 or otherwise within the appliance 12 ata location capable of reading a signal. Additionally or alternatively, amobile computing device may be used as a radio circuit module/RFIDreader as will be discussed further below. The RFID mechanism 200 canimplement the use of electromagnetic fields to transfer data forpurposes of automatically identifying and tracking various tagsassociated with the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliancecontrol unit 16. These tags, which can correspond to the variousprotocols and signals described above, can deliver electronically storedinformation between the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliancecontrol unit 16 or potentially any other RFID reader. Also as discussedabove, this information can be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

In addition to the delivery of information, it is contemplated that theRFID microchip disposed on the water filter 18 can be powered by theradio energy transmitted by the radio circuit module 204 at least whenthe water filter 18 is in the filter use state 22. Accordingly, thevarious tags, signals and protocols can be powered through the use ofelectromagnetic induction generated from the magnetic fields used totransfer the data via the RFID mechanism 200. It is also contemplatedthat the memory storage unit 20 and the first appliance control unit 16can include a dedicated power source disposed within the water filter 18and the filter head assembly 14, respectively. Additionally, it iscontemplated that the RFID microchip 202 can be disposed within aportion of the water filter 18. In such an embodiment, the RFIDmicrochip 202 can be a printed microchip disposed on an exterior surfaceof the water filter 18, on an interior surface of the water filter 18,such as within an inner cavity of the water filter 18, or some othersurface of the water filter 18. It is also contemplated that the RFIDmicrochip 202 can be embedded within a portion of the water filter 18,such as within one of the walls of the water filter 18 or proximate thefiltration media 130 of the water filter 18. The microchip 202 may bemolded into a portion of the filter housing, for example. It iscontemplated that the RFID microchip 202 may be embedded in atamper-evident location such that if the RFID microchip 202 is accessed,or attempted to be accessed, by a user, the water filter 18 will be notengage the appliance 12 properly or, at a minimum, the tampering wouldbe readily visible to a subsequent user.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatedata transfer mechanisms 28 can be implemented within a water filtersystem 10. Such data transfer mechanisms 28 can include an antennadisposed proximate a portion of the memory storage device, such as neara microchip of the water filter 18. In such an embodiment, the firstappliance control unit 16 can be positioned proximate a main controlhousing of the first appliance 60. It is contemplated that the maincontrol housing can be positioned distal from the water filter 18, suchas at the main control unit controlling the various mechanical andelectrical functions of the entire appliance 12. Accordingly, theantenna can be in communication with the main control housing when thewater filter 18 is in the filter use state, even though the water filter18 may be positioned on a distal portion of the appliance 12.

According to the various embodiments, the disclosure includes providing:the data transfer mechanism 28, the memory storage unit 20 and the firstappliance control unit 16; and/or the memory storage unit 20 and auser's mobile computing device that can cooperate to deliver informationto a manufacturer concerning status information of the appliance 12and/or the water filter system 10. In such an embodiment, where the userof the appliance 12 authorizes the delivery of such information, themanufacturer can be notified when a nonconforming water filter 80, suchas a counterfeit water filter or a water filter 18 that is in thenotification state 36 (has substantially or completely expired), isattempted to be used within the appliance 12. It is possible for themanufacturer to then contact the user to inform them of how to obtain aconforming water filter 18 for use in the appliance 12. Suchcommunications can be delivered to the manufacturer through a Wi-Ficommunications network, other wireless communications network, a wiredcommunications network, combinations thereof, or other similarcommunications network. Such data transfer to the manufacturer can alsoalert the manufacturer to any unauthorized attempts to access encryptedinformation contained within the water filter 18 and/or the appliance12. Such communication may also be made through a mobile applicationrunning on the user's mobile computing device such as a smartphone(typically with cellular and/or Wi-Fi capability), tablet or laptopcomputer systems or through a website (URL) enable system accessed bythe user via an Internet browser. Traditional desktop computer systemsmay also be used, but would be less likely to be used to communicatesuch information. The mobile computing devices, when used, willtypically have a RFID reader mechanism incorporated therein.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the datatransfer mechanism 28 can be in signal communication with a portablecomputing device for communicating data from the data transfer mechanismto a separate location. Such a portable computing device can includesmart phones, tablets, personal computers, wearable computing devices,or other similar devices having data processing and communicationcapability.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the use of the initial start-up protocol50 can also be implemented to provide an automatic exchange program forconsumers. A consumer concerned about the quality of his/her water willtypically send water samples into independent water testing facilities.This often requires the consumer to purchase a sampling kit at a localstore, obtain a water sample, fill out name and address information,mail the sample to the testing facility, and wait for the test resultsin the mail. This process is burdensome and time consuming. Further, theresults are not usually digitally available and do not providecomparative test results from previous testings, nor do they providerecommendations as to how to filter the water more effectively. Asalready described above, the initial start-up protocol 50 can include,but is not limited to, an initial authentication “hand shake” thattypically uses a combination of unique and proprietary encryptedpasswords and/or proprietary microchip ID numbers. It is furthercontemplated that the initial start-up protocol 50 can result inexchange of filter data and a consumer's phone or other mobile device.The consumer or user may elect to enroll in the automatic exchangeprogram and elect to have the filter analyzed or not upon expiration ofthe filter's useful life. If enrolled and upon the expiration of theuseful life of the water filter 18, the consumer will use the mobilephone (or other device) NFC reader to read the water filter 18. The usermay be taken to a particular display of information in a mobileapplication or be taken to a web site. At either type of data entrypoint, in order to enroll in the automatic exchange program either withor without analysis, the consumer typically registers their personalidentifying information (i.e. name, address, telephone number)(with theappliance model and number automatically filled in) whereby the consumercan sign up for an automatic filter replenishment with or withoutanalysis. If the user elects to have an analysis of the filter's usedone, the consumer will receive a return post paid container in the mailto the registered address for the user that was provided, typically viaan internet website, via a computer network, or via a mobile applicationsimilarly in communication with a computer network. Typically, thecomputer network is a remote computer network connected to the Internet.The consumer can then return the used water filter to the manufacturerfor testing or to a testing facility, which is typically a testingfacility designated by the manufacturer. Once the water filter has beenshipped to the testing site and received by the testing facility, thefilter is placed into a water test machine that will read the data fromthe NFC tag and the data in the memory storage unit 20 of the waterfilter 18, create a water report, and send the results to the user'saccount where the report and information may be accessed by the consumervia the web site or the mobile application. Of course, the consumer mayhave the filter automatic replaced without any testing done to thefilter.

The data from the water filter NFC tag and/or memory storage unit can beused by the water testing facility to determine, for example, types ofwater that require different types of filtering and thereby offer orrecommend to the consumer water filters that are more appropriate forthe type of water they have in their system(s) in their specificgeographic location. The data from multiple consumers may also beaggregated and sorted by type of appliance, geographic location (zipcode, street address, city, state/province, etc. and recommendationsmade to future first time filter users based on data from other nearbyusers. This might typically be done: at the time the appliance isregistered through the website of the manufacturer of an appliance; atthe time and location of purchase of an appliance; at the time theappliance is initially registered by the consumer through use of themobile application or at a time after registration of the appliance, butbefore any filter that has been used in the consumer's appliance isactually tested; at any time the consumer desires, a filter fitting thegenerally filtering needs of the geographic area of future use may beordered by the user so long as enough other consumers in the generalgeographic area have had their filters tested and analyzed.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, having described the various aspects of thewater filter system 10 that incorporates the data transfer mechanism 28defined by the memory storage unit 20 of the water filter 18 and thefirst appliance control unit 16 of a first appliance 60, a method isalso disclosed for installing and replacing a water filter 18 for anappliance 12. Such a method 400 can include a step 402 of providing awater filter 18 having a memory storage unit 20. As discussed above, thewater filter 18 can be configured for selective communication with afirst appliance control unit 16 to define the filter use state 22. Thefilter use state 22 can be further defined by a first potential fluidflow rate 24 through the water filter 18 and the predetermined lifetimefluid filtration amount 26. According to step 404 of the method 400, thewater filter 18 can be installed within the filter head assembly 14 ofthe appliance 12 to be in communication with the first appliance controlunit 16.

Once the water filter 18 is installed, it is determined whether theinitial startup protocol 50 is present on the water filter 18 (step404). Where the initial startup protocol 50 is not present, anon-authentication protocol 52 is run (step 406) and the fluid deliverysystem 122 is modified (step 408) in some manner to slow or stop theflow of water and/or to activate a warning signal 100. Thenon-authentication protocol 52 may be activated where the initialstart-up protocol 50 has previously been overwritten through previoususe of the water filter 18, or where the water filter 18 is in anon-conforming water filter 80.

If the initial start-up protocol 50 is present, it is run (step 410) andthe first appliance control unit 16 receives and decrypts the data andcompares the data for authorization purposes (steps 412-416). If thereis no match, the non-authentication protocol 52 is run. If a match isfound, the initial start-up protocol 50 is overwritten (step 418) andthe first data transfer protocol 30 is run (step 420). This engagementplaces the memory storage unit 20 in communication with the firstappliance control unit 16, such that the data transfer mechanism 28 canbe defined by communication between the memory storage unit 20 and thefirst appliance control unit 16. In this manner, the data transfermechanism 28 can define the first data transfer protocol 30 that furtherdefines the filter use state.

Once installed, fluid is selectively provided through the water filter18 at the first potential fluid flow rate 24. This first potential fluidflow rate 24 continues until the actual fluid filtration amount 34 ofthe water filter 18 reaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtrationamount 26 (step 422). At this point, the first data transfer protocol 30is overwritten (step 424) and the second data transfer protocol 32 isdefined through the data transfer mechanism 28 (step 426). Accordingly,the second data transfer protocol 32 defines the notification state 36.As discussed previously, the second potential fluid flow rate 38 can beless than the first potential fluid flow rate 24. When the notificationstate 36 is defined, the user can be notified that the water filter 18is ready to be replaced. At this time, the user can remove the waterfilter 18 from communication with the first appliance control unit 16.After being removed from the first appliance control unit 16, the memorystorage unit 20 maintains the second data transfer protocol 32 and isfree of subsequently defining the first data transfer protocol 30. Asdiscussed previously, it is contemplated that the second data transferprotocol 32 can overwrite the first data transfer protocol 30 such thatthe first data transfer protocol 30 cannot be subsequently reinitiatedwhen disposed within the same appliance 12 or a different appliance 12.

According to another aspect of method 400, as exemplified in FIG. 9, areplacement water filter 140 can be provided having a replacement memorystorage unit 160 or a reprogrammed memory storage unit 20. It iscontemplated that the replacement water filter 140 is configured forselective communication with the first appliance control unit 16 todefine the filter use state 22 as to the first appliance control unit 16and the replacement memory storage unit 160. The replacement waterfilter 140 can then be installed (step 450). Once installed, the statusof the water filter 18 is determined to ascertain whether the appliance12 has already authorized the water filter 18 (step 402). If alreadyauthenticated, the water filter 18 is not a replacement water filter 140and it is determined whether the water filter 18 is in the filter usestate 22 (step 454) or the notification state 36 (step 456). If in thenotification state 36, the second data transfer protocol 32 is continued(step 460) and the second potential fluid flow rate 38 is used. If stillin the filter use state 22, the first data transfer protocol 30 is usedto deliver water at the first potential fluid flow rate 24 (step 462).The replacement water filter 140 can be placed in communication with thefirst appliance control unit 16 to place the replacement memory storageunit 160 in communication with the first appliance control unit 16. Inthis manner, the data transfer mechanism 28 is again defined bycommunication between the replacement memory storage unit 160 and thefirst appliance control unit 16. It is further contemplated that thedata transfer mechanism 28 can be defined by the first data transferprotocol 30 that further defines the filter use state 22. Once thereplacement water filter 140 is installed, fluid is selectively providedthrough the replacement water filter 140 at the first potential fluidflow rate 24 until such time as the actual fluid filtration amount 34 ofthe replacement water filter 140 reaches the predetermined lifetimefluid filtration amount 26. At this time, the various steps of replacingthe water filter 18 can be repeated continuously through the life of theappliance 12.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising the steps of: testing a waterquality of water provided by a plurality of used water filters from agiven geographic area; providing a geographically tailored water filterdesigned to filter water received by a refrigeration appliance of awater filter user from a water source within the given geographic areato the water filter user located in the given geographic area;installing the geographically tailored water filter into a water filterhead assembly within the refrigeration appliance of the user; filteringwater using the installed geographically tailored water filter until theinstalled geographically tailored water filter is a used water filter;delivering a replacement water filter to the water filter user; andwherein the refrigeration appliance of the user is connected with awater filter provider using a wired connection or a wireless connectionto connect the refrigeration appliance with a server via a globalcommunication network of computer servers.
 2. The method of claim 1further comprising the step of: enrolling the water filter user in anappliance water filter exchange program using a website or mobile deviceapplication whereby the water filter user elects to participate in theappliance water filter exchange program and provides water filter useridentifying information; and wherein the refrigeration appliance of theuser further comprises a water dispenser connected to the filter headassembly via a water conduit that delivers filtered water to the user ofthe refrigeration appliance.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprisingthe steps of: the water filter user receiving a container for the usedwater filter; delivering the used water filter to a testing facility;testing the plurality of used water filters at the testing facility; andshipping the replacement water filter to the water filter user.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of delivering a replacement waterfilter to the water filter user comprises delivering a geographicallytailored water filter that is designed to filter water within thegeographic area when installed and used by the water filter user basedupon a water quality of water received from a municipal source or a wellwater source within the given geographic area of the user and whereinthe water quality of water received from the municipal water source orthe well water source is determined by the testing of the plurality ofused water filters from the given geographic area.
 5. A method forappliance water filter replenishment when substantially all or all of auseful life of a water filter has been reached or exceeded comprisingthe steps of: enrolling a water filter user in an appliance water filterexchange program using a website or mobile device application wherebythe water filter user elects to participate in the appliance waterfilter exchange program and provides water filter user identifyinginformation; installing a water filter into a water filter head assemblyof an appliance; filtering water using the installed water filter duringa filter use state until the installed water filter has reached orexceeded its useful life and the installed water filter is a used waterfilter; the water filter user receiving a container for the used waterfilter; delivering the used water filter to a testing facility; testinga water quality of water from the used water filter after it has passedthrough the used water filter; shipping a replacement water filter tothe water filter user; delivering the replacement water filter to thewater filter user; and wherein the appliance is connected with a waterfilter provider using a wired connection or a wireless connection toconnect the appliance with a server via a global communication networkof computer servers.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step ofdelivering the replacement water filter to the water filter user isautomatically done without further water filter user input after theenrolling step and the replacement water filter is an appliance waterfilter.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of delivering thereplacement water filter to the water filter user is automatically doneby the filter communicating to the appliance that it has reached itsnotification state when substantially all or all of the useful life ofthe water filter has been reached or exceeded and the appliancecommunicating to the water filter provider that a replacement waterfilter is needed.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the step ofdelivering the used water filter to a testing facility comprises mailingthe used water filter to the testing facility in a self-addressedcontainer previously delivered to the user at the water filter user'saddress.
 9. The method of claim 5 further comprising the steps of:creating a water report; and delivering the water report to the waterfilter user.
 10. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of:testing a plurality of used water filters for a given geographic area;and wherein the step of delivering a replacement water filter to thewater filter user comprises delivering a geographically tailored waterfilter that is designed to filter water more effectively within thegeographic area when installed and used by the water filter user. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the appliance is connected with a waterfilter provider using a wired connection or a wireless connection toconnect the appliance with a server via a global communication networkof computer servers.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the waterfilter provider initiates a signal communication with the appliance andthe water filter and periodically obtains information about the waterfilter.
 13. The method of claim 5, wherein the water filter has a waterfilter memory storage unit and the water filter memory storage unitincludes data that may be used to display one or more of the following:pieces of status or history information about the water filter to a uservia a user interface: a time period of use of the water filter; a volumeof water that has flowed through the filter; a percentage of use orpercentage of remaining useful life of the filter; a model of thefilter; and a model of the appliance to which the filter was initiallyengaged.
 14. The method of claim 5, wherein the water filter includes amemory storage unit in communication with the water filter providerfurther comprising the step of an initial start-up protocol, wherein theinitial start-up protocol includes a set of encrypted instructions savedwithin the memory storage unit of the water filter wherein the encryptedinstructions defining the initial start-up protocol are saved within thememory storage unit.
 15. The method of claim 5, wherein the step ofdelivering a replacement water filter comprises delivering thereplacement filter to the user at the water filter user's address andthe replacement water filter is a geographically tailored water filterfor a given geographic area.
 16. The method of claim 5, wherein thereplacement water filter is tailored to treat water based upon analyzedwater characteristics within a geographic area that the water filteruser resides in.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the replacementwater filter is tailored to treat the analyzed water characteristicswithin a geographic area that the water filter user resides and is basedupon testing conducted on a plurality of used water filters from thegeographic area.
 18. The method of claim 5, wherein the water filtercomprises a water filter housing defining an interior volume; and awater treatment medium within the interior volume of the housing whereinthe water treatment medium is selected to treat water from a municipalwater source or a well within a geographic area based on aggregated testresults conducted on a plurality of used residential water filterspreviously used in appliances within the geographic area.
 19. The methodof claim 5 further comprising the step of providing a notification to auser via a mobile computing device based on water quality measured by arefrigerator, the filter, or water quality data received from testingdone on other filters used in other appliances proximate or within apredetermined distance of the user's appliance.
 20. A method ofproviding for water filter replenishment when an effective useful lifeof a refrigerator water filter has been reached or exceeded comprisingthe steps of: enrolling a water filter user in a refrigerator waterfilter exchange program using a website or mobile device applicationwhereby the water filter user elects to participate in the refrigeratorwater filter exchange program and provides water filter user identifyinginformation; testing a plurality of used water filters from a givengeographic area and producing testing results to determine a testedquality of water provided by a water source within the given geographicarea; providing a geographically tailored refrigerator water filterdesigned to treat the tested quality of water from the water sourcewithin the given geographic area to a user located in the givengeographic area based upon the testing results; installing thegeographically tailored refrigerator water filter in a refrigerator;filtering water using the installed geographically tailored refrigeratorwater filter during a filter use state until the installedgeographically tailored refrigerator water filter reaches itsnotification state when the effective useful life of the refrigeratorwater filter has been reached or exceeded and the installedgeographically tailored refrigerator water filter is a used refrigeratorwater filter; and delivering a replacement geographically tailoredrefrigerator water filter to the water filter user; and wherein therefrigerator is connected with a water filter provider using a wiredconnection or a wireless connection to connect the refrigerator with aserver via a global communication network of computer servers.